Ballina Players do Boy from Oz

HE tripped the light fantastic – dazzling the world with his glittering performances and sparkling personality.

His life is a classic rags to riches story, from humble beginnings in the town of Tenterfield to centre stage in London and New York.

Peter Allen is brought back to life in The Boy from Oz, a funny, sometimes heart-breaking musical biography of his life.

The musical is the latest production by the Ballina Players.

Playing the role of one of the world’s greatest showman is no mean feat as actor Paul Farrell can attest.

“It’s a challenging role, it’s hard to play the part of such a wonderful performer,” Paul explained. “But I’m very excited to be playing one of our home-grown entertainers who took on the world and won.

“It is probably one of the biggest things I have ever done with the Ballina Players, it’s an absolute stunner.”

And all reports concur – the production is one of the most spectacular ever staged by the Players.

One of the talking points of Peter Allen’s shows was his huge collection of brightly coloured shirts, which he changed frequently, even on stage.

“The audience can expect to be wowed by the colour and spectacular of this show,” Paul says.

“The costumes are fabulous – well beyond what one would expect of an amateur theatre company. “The vibrancy and colour is just amazing.”